Nick Mardesic and his family are currently living without power in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. At night, they rely on flashlights, and for hot meals and showers, they drive to his parents’ house miles away. Their home, located on a scenic peninsula near Los Angeles, is at risk due to worsening landslides caused by two years of heavy rain. The landslides have led to power and gas being cut off for many residents in the area.
Mardesic has spent months trying to keep his house from collapsing. His front yard has sunk by about 3.5 feet, and deep cracks have appeared on the walls of his home. Part of his driveway has collapsed, exposing an underground water pipe. He’s been using wooden beams to prop up his bedroom, which is on the verge of falling. So far, he’s spent around $50,000 in an effort to keep the home standing.
It feels like something out of a movie, Mardesic said. Watching your house sink is almost unbelievable.
The situation in Rancho Palos Verdes is part of a larger problem in California, which has been hit by severe weather in recent years. Landslides have destroyed homes in the area, and evacuation warnings are in place. Many residents are without power, gas, and even water as repairs to sewer lines continue.